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With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
5,140 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
randalal2015,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Mr. G was a great tour guide with some good stories of legendary Venice. We enjoyed the tour with only a little hiccup at the entrance to San Marco. Some great information regarding the history of Venice. Highly recommend.
S5117RNbruceh,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great knowledges and attention to detail. Highly recommend… Perfect start to Venice 10/10
G4281IVgracef,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Giovanni was amazing! Genuinely a once in a life time experience. A must do for sure!!!
Barbara M,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
Tour company sold us tickets to st marks for holy thursday but the church was closed. NOT GOOD THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE CHURCH WAS CLOSED. The guide liked to talk and share her extensive knowledge but it was too much for us so we left the group and continued on our own.
Richard C,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
Fantastic tour with a really knowledgeable and passionate guide. Wonderful insights into the history and culture along with lovely anecdotes.
Cynthia D,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
Susan was a terrific guide who made it so enjoyable! She was friendly, informative, and engaging. Highly recommend!
M5813VEalbertol,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Superb experience. Our guide was Marina, wonderful and super friendly, and a whole source of knowledge. We saw the square and basilica of San Marcos and the palace Ducale, in a visit full of anecdotes and super entertaining. They are real jewels that are very worth visiting, and more so in this way. An unforgettable tour.
D2501WCsarag,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing our guide Marina! A true gift to know St. Mark's Square with its Basilica and palace. Super attentive, he knows a lot about Venice and speaks 10 Spanish. Thank you.
mennao2026,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing, the temporary exhibition was especially good.
Krishna0204,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very informative and learnt about proud history of venice
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